This case study was compiled from published sources, and is intended to be used as a basis for class discussion. It is not intended to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. Nor is it a primary information source.

Case Details:

Price:

Themes

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Case Length

:

13 Pages

Period

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2002-2007

Pub Date

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2007

Teaching Note

:

Not Available

Organization

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-

Industry

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Miscellaneous

Countries

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Global

Abstract:

This case is about a new threat to data security in organizations called pod
slurping. Pod slurping refers to the stealing of data form the organizations'
network with portable data storage devices like ipods, digital cameras, pen
drives and smart phones. Addressing this threat posed tough challenges to
organizations as it is the employees of the organization who could be stealing
the data. While data security experts were grappling with measures to discourage
data theft by employees using such portable devices, the organizations were on
the horns of a dilemma. Banning popular gadgets such as iPods could alienate the
employees, and in many cases it was practically impossible to put a blanket ban
on portable storage devices as they were not only ubiquitous but also very
useful.

Experts felt that organizations had to be
balanced in their efforts in addressing this problem as too much
monitoring or high-handedness on the organization's part might
hurt the morale of the employees, breed disloyalty, and lower
productivity. Moreover, this threat was expected to intensify in
the future as these portable devices were getting more
sophisticated and acquiring wireless capabilities.